AC Adapters for Digital Cameras Recalled by Kodak

Description

AC Adapters for Digital Cameras Recalled by Kodak NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 1999 Release # 99-059 Kodak Phone Number: (888) 404-3711 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Kodak Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Digital Cameras WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eastman Kodak Company, of Rochester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling 120,000 AC adapters for use with certain Kodak digital cameras. When the connector plug of the AC adapter is not fully inserted in the camera, the batteries in the camera can overheat to a high temperature. This can cause the batteries to leak acid and explode, possibly causing thermal and chemical burns or lacerations to consumers. Kodak is aware of three reports of the batteries in these cameras overheating and rapidly discharging the battery's contents while using these recalled adapters, including one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries when a battery's content ejected from the camera onto his face and hand. These AC adapters were manufactured by ELPAC Electronics Inc., of Irvine, Calif. They were sold separately as optional accessories for use with Kodak digital cameras and authorized for use by Kodak. These AC adapters have model numbers 2534, 2457, MI2008 and M42008. The brand name and model numbers can be found on labels affixed to the adapters. These AC adapters have angled or tapered connector tips. ELPAC models 2534 and M42008 have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The Kodak digital cameras that use these AC adapters have model numbers CD25, DC40, DC50 and DC120. The model number and "Kodak" are written on the front of the cameras. Only the ELPAC AC adapter is being recalled, and not the Kodak cameras. Department, electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as mail-order and web retailers sold these AC adapters nationwide from March 1996 to August 1998 for between $40 and $80. A recalled ELPAC AC adapter with an angled connector tip (left)and the replacement ELPAC AC adapter (right). Consumers should immediately stop using the AC adapter with these digital cameras when they contain batteries. Kodak will replace, free of charge, these recalled ELPAC AC adapters with redesigned, UL-listed ELPAC AC adapters. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your AC adapter, or for more information, contact Kodak toll-free at (888) 404-3711 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. EST seven days a week. Consumers also can contact Kodak online at www.kodak.com/go/acadapter. If you purchased an AC adapter with an angled or tapered connector tip that was not authorized to be used by Kodak, it should not be used with these digital cameras. Kodak is not replacing AC adapters it did not authorized for use.